Is Collecting Rainwater Legal in Arizona?
Collecting Rainwater is legal with restrictions in Arizona as of 2026. Arizona regulates rainwater harvesting under ARS § 45-1121, allowing limited collection of rainwater for certain uses but restricting large-scale capture due to prior appropriation water rights. Residential rainwater harvesting is permitted with specific system requirements.
Collecting Rainwater is LEGAL WITH RESTRICTIONS in Arizona
Collecting Rainwater is legal in Arizona but with specific restrictions and regulations.
Collecting Rainwater Laws in Arizona: Quick Facts
- 1 Legal Status: Collecting Rainwater is currently legal with restrictions in Arizona.
- 2 Possession: Allowed for residential use with system registration; large-scale collection restricted.
- 3 Sale: Sale of collected rainwater is generally prohibited without a water rights permit.
- 4 Age Restriction: None
- 5 Penalties: Violations can result in civil penalties and fines under ARS § 45-1121.
Detailed Legal Breakdown
| Possession | Allowed for residential use with system registration; large-scale collection restricted. |
| Sale | Sale of collected rainwater is generally prohibited without a water rights permit. |
| Age Restriction | None |
| Penalties | Violations can result in civil penalties and fines under ARS § 45-1121. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
How Does Arizona Compare?
Across all 50 states, Collecting Rainwater is fully legal in 36 states, legal with restrictions in 14 states, and illegal in 0 states. Arizona is among the 14 states where it is legal with restrictions.
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Editorial Standards
This page was researched and written by the editorial team at IsThisLegalInMyState.com. All legal information is sourced directly from official state statutes, regulatory agency publications, and legislative databases. Our team reviews each page for accuracy and updates it when laws change.
Source
Citation: Arizona Department of Water Resources
https://www.azwater.gov/AzDWR/WaterManagement/RainwaterHarvesting.htm
Last verified: 2026-01-15
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